大般涅槃經義記 1.52

1.52

自下第三新眾雲集。何故須集？所為有八：一為請住，故上文言「疾至佛所，勸請如來莫般涅槃」；二為獻供，故下諸眾辯供奉佛；三為闍維，故下文言「為欲闍毘如來身故」；四為決疑，故下文言「并可禮敬，請決所疑」；五為顯法，故下文言「為顯如來方便密教」；六為眾生，故下文言「為益眾生」；七為論難，如下文中十仙雲集；八為觀看，如律中說：「佛滅度後，摩訶迦葉見一尼乾手持天華，尋路而行，問從何來，尼乾對曰：『從拘尸來。』『見世尊不？』答言：『我見。』『平安已不？』答言：『滅來已過七日，我從彼會持此華來。』」如是等輩直為觀看。來意如是，今此所列具前六意，所以來集。

From here below, the third section explains the new assembly gathering like clouds. Why did they need to assemble? There were eight purposes: First, to entreat him to remain; hence the text above says, “Swiftly go to the Buddha's place and entreat the Tathāgata not to enter parinirvāṇa.” Second, to make offerings; hence the various assemblies below prepare offerings for the Buddha. Third, for the jhāpita; hence the text below says, “In order to perform the jhāpita of the Tathāgata's body.” Fourth, to resolve doubts; hence the text below says, “And we may pay reverent homage and request the resolution of our doubts.” Fifth, to reveal the Dharma; hence the text below says, “In order to reveal the Tathāgata's expedient, secret teaching.” Sixth, for the sake of sentient beings; hence the text below says, “In order to benefit sentient beings.” Seventh, for philosophical debate; as in the text below, where the ten ṛṣis gathered like clouds. Eighth, to spectate; as the Vinaya states: “After the Buddha's parinirvāṇa, Mahākāśyapa saw a Nirgrantha holding a heavenly flower in his hand, walking along the road. He asked, 'Where have you come from?' The Nirgrantha replied, 'I come from Kuśīnagara.' 'Did you see the World-Honoured One?' He replied, 'I saw him.' 'Is he at peace?' He replied, 'It has already been seven days since his extinction; I took this flower from that assembly and came.'” People like this came merely to spectate. Such were their intentions for coming. Those listed here possess the first six intentions, which is why they assembled.